Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Superman" by John Updike is a clever and satirical poem that explores the pervasive use of the prefix "super-" in modern culture, reflecting on the implications of society’s obsession with the extraordinary and the exceptional. Updike's playful use of language critiques the commercialization of superiority and the superficial values associated with it.

The poem begins humorously with the speaker's routine trip to the supermarket, immediately inundated with the prefix "super": "I drive my car to supermarket, / The way I take is superhigh, / A superlot is where I park it, / And Super Suds are what I buy." Here, Updike emphasizes the mundane activities of daily life, which are ironically aggrandized by the term "super." This not only mocks the trivial application of the term but also highlights how common experiences are marketed as extraordinary to appeal to consumer desires for greatness in all aspects of life.

The poem continues with other aspects of the speaker's life being labeled as "super": "Supersalesman sell me tonic-- / Super Tone-O, for Relief, / The planes I ride are supersonic, / In trains, I like the Super Chief." This stanza amplifies the critique of consumer culture, where even health products and transportation are branded with superiority. The use of "supersonic" and "Super Chief" (a reference to a popular luxury train service) underscores a societal infatuation with speed and status.

The third stanza introduces a shift in perspective as "Supercilious men and women / Call me superficial -- me! / Who so superbly learned to swim in / Supercolossality." Here, the speaker defends against accusations of superficiality from others who themselves seem pretentious (as suggested by "supercilious"). The speaker claims mastery in navigating this world of exaggerated greatness, further satirizing how deeply ingrained these notions of superiority are in personal identities and social judgments.

Finally, the poem concludes with a reflection on how the speaker sustains this "super" lifestyle: "Superphosphate-fed foods feed me; / Superservice keeps me new. / Who would dare to supersede me, / Super-super-superwho?" The reliance on "superphosphate-fed foods" and "superservice" comments on the artificial enhancement of life, questioning the sustainability and authenticity of such a supercharged existence. The closing lines challenge anyone to replace or outdo the speaker in this hyperbolic super-world, encapsulating the competitive edge that drives the continuous escalation of the "super."

"Superman" is thus a witty exploration of how the quest for the extraordinary permeates everyday life, from consumer habits to personal identity. John Updike uses the poem to critique a culture that equates "super" with "better," encouraging a reflection on what we value and why. The poem’s playful tone and rhythmic quality make these observations both accessible and impactful, leaving readers to ponder the real meaning of "super" in their lives.

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